-- Florian Vs Gomi Confirmed UFN 21--

UFC president Dana White made it official yesterday, announcing that Dover native Kenny Florian’s next fight will be March 31 against Takanori Gomi of Japan in Charlotte in the main event of UFC Fight Night 21 on Spike TV.

“Gomi is a big star in Japan,’’ said White. “This guy fought in the Pride organization and we’ve been batting back and forth with this guy for a while. We finally got him and we’re bringing him in and his first fight is against Kenny Florian.’’

Even if Florian defeats Gomi, White said that wouldn’t be enough to propel him back into the top contender spot against reigning lightweight champion B.J. Penn.

“He’s a ways away from that,’’ said White. “After he gets through the Gomi fight, we’ll figure out what he does next. He’s got to make it through him first, that’s a really tough fight. Gomi is powerful with both hands, he can knock you out with either hand, and he’s a great wrestler.’’

Florian isn’t the only local product on the card. Middleweight Jorge Rivera, a native of Milford, will take on Nate Quarry.

I personally don't think Kenflo is a "beast," but he's a tough UFC debut opponent. Kenflo's cage press strategy against BJ was only weird and less then comfortable to BJ (or any veteran "cage fighter" probably), but if Kenflo pressed and held Gomi up against a cage, it may actually mess with Gomi's head and fluster him. Ring fighters tend to get beat by cage shock, more then anything it seems.

I personally don't think Kenflo is a "beast," but he's a tough UFC debut opponent. Kenflo's cage press strategy against BJ was only weird and less then comfortable to BJ (or any veteran "cage fighter" probably), but if Kenflo pressed and held Gomi up against a cage, it may actually mess with Gomi's head and fluster him. Ring fighters tend to get beat by cage shock, more then anything it seems.

unless you are Fedor, then you get into the cage and blast the dudes head to the 5th row